Tuesday, August 14, 2007

Maison Charles Lamps

Today I'm writing about something that I know very little about- Maison Charles lamps. What I am certain about, though, is that they are some of the most stylish and witty lamps I've ever seen. In fact, I've included photos of Maison Charles lamps in some of my previous posts on lamps.

From what I have read on the web, La Maison Charles was founded in 1908 by Frenchman Ernest Charles. Working primarily with bronze, the Maison Charles artisans were known early on for their reproduction antique lighting and later, in the 1950s, for their fanciful lamps (like those below.) Based on what I've found on 1st dibs, I believe Maison Charles also created mirrors and small pieces of furniture.

The firm is still in existence today, and while their current offerings are quite glamorous, they don't compare to the lamps I've featured here. And if anybody has any additional information on Maison Charles (or needs to correct any information I have here), please do comment. I would very much like to know more about this illustrious design house.

25 comments:

Wow, chic and witty is right. It's still so interesting to see how pieces that seem so "now," i.e. the coral, the large drum shades, are really mid-century. It was really a glamorous, innovative era (although I'm not sure about the corn cobs. Looks a little like something for the office of a C.E.O. at a corn-related business.)

Anonymous- Your floor lamp sounds amazing. I wish I could help you, but I'm not extremely familiar with the different designs they created. When I did a search last night on Maison Charles, I didn't see anything like that, but that doesn't mean anything. Perhaps it is. Does anyone else know???

I know the current owner/designer Micheal Wagner. Great guy, very talented! I am a gallery owner my self, "Burlesque Galley" in Dubai, and selling some of their wonderful lamps. The ones I have are from the Marine collection. The Corail, and Nautila. They are truly spectacular in person. I ordered them in highly polished gilded bronze. I will email you some picture very soon. Fantastic blog by the way:)

Dear Jennifer,Thrilled to hear you like the lamps of Maison Charles but I must sadly inform you that amongst the lamps you show only two of them are Charles - the first corn on the cob and the Sunflower lamp. I work for the company and would be more than happy to send you some information and images! check out our website for info and images www.charles-paris.com. They are wonderful and it's great to see that you're article has shown so much possitive feedback!! send us an e-mail.